In the nick of time

 I don't know where the past month has gone.  We have been completely overwhelmed by my brother's needs I haven't had time to think about anything.  We had reached a crossroads and I was beginning to accept the fact that we just couldn't continue to care for him.

Mike was having difficulty taking his medications appropriately.  He was calling us constantly...every 5 minutes to ask what day it was or what time it was.  Other times he would sleep past his med time.  We would watch the clock and if we didn't hear from him would call and wake him up.  He'd be so out of it we had to drive to his condo to make sure he took the right medication.  In addition, he was acting out and getting very aggressive towards me.  

But after a consultation with his psychiatrist a plan was made to reduce some of his meds.  It has been amazing how quickly things are beginning to change.  He isn't calling constantly.  He can maintain a train of thought.  His walking hasn't improved but I'm still hopeful.  Just these small changes have revived Ron and I.  I have regained some hope that things can get better.  Maybe we still have a little more time before Mike will have to go to a residential program. Or we will be forced to move closer to him.

I have an opportunity to get the Covid vaccine tomorrow.  My former boss called me and they are currently administering the vaccine to the hospital staff.  She said they "may" have some extra doses and offered it to me.  So tomorrow I have to be ready to go in if they call.  Otherwise Ron. Mike and I will be in the 2nd round of vaccine administration.  Oklahoma also moved teachers and support staff to the 2nd tier.  I'm so happy about that.  I worry about my daughters all the time.

Christmas will just be the 3 of us.  We did the same for Thanksgiving.  Since Oklahoma is now #1 in the number of cases per capita it is apparent most Oklahoman's are not following safety precautions.  Of course with our governor it's now wonder.  A lot more people will die needlessly.

Hope everyone has a merry Christmas and here is to a better New Year!